The European Union has raised concerns about recent developments in Ukraine related to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), particularly in light of the adoption of bill No. 12414.
Brussels is worried about the new law that may restrict NABU's operations.
Guillaume Mercier, spokesperson for the European Commission, stated that the EU is seriously concerned about the recent events.
This information was reported by NV through the EU delegation in Ukraine.
Mercier emphasized that the independence of NABU and SAP is crucial for reform agendas in Ukraine, as they need to effectively combat corruption and maintain public trust.
He also noted that the EU provides substantial financial assistance to Ukraine, contingent upon progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic governance. Furthermore, for Ukraine to join the EU, it must demonstrate a strong capability to combat corruption and ensure institutional resilience.
“The EU will continue to monitor the situation and support Ukraine in upholding the rule of law,” added the European Commission.
At the same time, according to data from “European Truth,” Mercier stated that the European Union currently does not intend to raise the issue of suspending financial assistance to Ukraine due to these actions.
“This issue is not currently on the agenda,” Mercier emphasized.
He explained that while there are various decision-making systems and control mechanisms regarding the financial support provided by the EU to Ukraine, it is uncertain whether they will ever be applied.
Director of NABU, Semen Kryvonos, stated that the adoption of bill No. 12414 effectively dismantles the anti-corruption infrastructure.
This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine.
“It creates a threat to our country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The two independent institutions – NABU and SAP – are being effectively placed under a dependent regime,” said the NABU director at a briefing on Tuesday, July 22.
Moreover, the Verkhovna Rada today approved bill No. 12414, which experts believe grants the Attorney General powers to interfere in NABU's investigations and transfer cases to other law enforcement agencies.
The Rada has passed a bill that could subordinate NABU and SAP to the Attorney General.
Today, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved in its entirety bill No. 12414, which has previously faced criticism in parliament and from anti-corruption organizations including Transparency International, as an attempt to undermine the independence of NABU and SAP.
263 members of parliament voted in favor of this controversial bill.
These amendments effectively make the Attorney General the actual head of SAP, allowing for direct influence over NABU.